THE DOCTRINE OF THE RESURRECTION
INTRODUCTION
A. ( Heb.6:1-3) Observe the phrase “and of the resurrection of the dead.” Among the many doctrines contained in the Bible, the doctrine “of the resurrection of the dead” should entreat us. The word “resurrection” occurs several times in Scripture. All occurrences are in the NT.
a. 41 times
b. translates from 1 of 2 Greek words
a. anastasis (an-as'-tas-is) - “a standing up again, i.e. (lit.) a resurrection from death
(individual, gen. or by impl. [its author]), or (fig.) a (moral) recovery (of spiritual truth)”
b. exanastasis (ex-an-as'-tas-is) - “a rising from death”
B. On Easter Sunday many church goers will hear a sermon on the resurrection of Christ. A lesson on the resurrection based upon Scripture would be a good sermon anytime of the year.
C. This lesson will focus on the resurrection in general.
I. DOCTRINE OF THE RESURRECTION EXCITES EMOTIONS
A. The doctrine “of the resurrection of the dead” has always stirred people emotionally. Such was true in the 1st century.
a. it alarmed & overjoyed Mary Magdalene, the other Mary, Salome (Mt.28:8)
b. it grieved & angered the Sadducees (Ac.4:1,2)
c. some of the Areopagus mocked (Ac.17:32)
d. divided neighbors against one another (Ac.23:6,7)
B. The doctrine “of the resurrection of the dead” excited emotions because of its implications.
a. implies there is a God
b. implies Jesus is God
c. implies life after death
d. implies judgment
e. implies an eternal destiny
II. THE DOCTRINE OF THE RESURRECTION & ERROR
A. Like any other doctrine in Scripture, the doctrine “of the resurrection of the dead” has been abused by some.
a. non-religionist - modernist, materialist, athiest, & others deny its reality because they deny the reality of God
b. religionist - Sadducees (Mt.22:23), Epicureans - in death, the soul is asleep and can no longer be disturbed (Ac.17:32), some Christians (1Cor.15:12)
c. some advocate that the resurrection has already occurred (2Tim.2:18)
B. Implications of there being no resurrection:
a. “then is Christ not risen” (1Cor.15:13)
b. “then is our preaching in vain” (1Cor.15:14)
c. “your faith is also vain” (1Cor.15:14)
d. apostles “are found false witnesses of God” (1Cor.15:15)
e. “ye are yet in your sins” (1Cor.15:17)
f. dead “are perished” (1Cor.15:18)
g. “we are of all men most miserable” (1Cor.15:19)
III. DOCTRINE OF RESURRECTION BRINGS BLESSINGS
A. One of the emotions which we should experience when we consider the doctrine “of the resurrection of the dead” is joy - because of the many benefits it provides to us.
a. resurrection of Christ provides us with immortality (Joh.11:25,26)
b. resurrection of Christ gives us new life (1Pet.1:3)
c. resurrection of Christ cleanses our conscience (1Pet.3:21)
d. resurrection will usher in rewards (Lu.14:14)
e. resurrection will provide us with an incorruptible body (1Cor.15:42)
B. Knowing the blessings associated with the resurrection should make us desire it (Phil.3:11; Heb.11:35).
IV. DOCTRINE OF RESURRECTION IS BELIEVABLE
A. (Joh.11:24) Like Martha, we have good reason to believe in the doctrine “of the resurrection of the dead.”
a. reliable testimony (Mr.12:26,27)
b. witnesses who were willing to suffer & die for their testimony (Ac.2:32; 3:15; 10:39; 4:20)
c. undeniable proofs (Ac.1:3) “infallible proofs” tekmerion (tek-may'-ree-on) - “a token (as defining a fact), i.e. criterion of certainty; that from which something is surely & plainly known; an indubitable (too apparent to be doubted; un-questionable; undisputed, beyond doubt, beyond all reasonable doubt, without a shadow of a doubt, axiomatic, uncontroversial, unquestioned, undoubted, uncontested, unarguable, undebatable, unquestionable, questionless, incontrovertible, incontestable, unchallengeable, unimpeachable, undeniable, irrefutable, irrefragable, indefeasible) evidence, a proof”
B. (1Cor.15:20) “firstfruits aparche (ap-ar-khay') - “a beginning of sacrifice, i.e. the (Jewish) first-fruit” Jesus’ resurrection is the beginning of what will be following - “the resurrection of the dead.”
CONCLUSION
Regardless, of whether you believe in “the resurrection of the dead,” you will one day participate in it (Joh.5:28,29).